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Boyle Ukraine Cyber Bill Passes House

February 7, 2018

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1997, the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2017, introduced by Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13). This bipartisan bill encourages greater cyber security cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine and requires the U.S. State Department to report back to Congress on it efforts to establish cooperation between the two nations. In response, Congressman Boyle released the following statement:

“Today, the House took a strong step forward in the ongoing fight to counter Russia’s intensifying cyber-aggression by passing my legislation. Over the last few years, Russia has been using Ukraine as a field test for cyber attacks that endanger the national security of our great ally Ukraine, its regional neighbors, and the United States. H.R. 1997 sends a strong signal to Russia and all those who threaten the cybersecurity of America and its allies that we are ready and able to protect ourselves against this escalating threat. Tonight, the House made important progress to protect the American people and reaffirm that the U.S. stands strong with its NATO allies in this fight. I implore the Senate to pass this legislation quickly. Time is of the essence, with American and Ukrainian elections each right around the corner.”

Ukraine has been repeatedly targeted by cyber attacks as a part of ongoing aggression from neighboring Russia. Congressman Boyle has been an outspoken advocate for robust U.S.-Ukraine relations since elected to Congress. Last year, he was awarded as a “Friend of Ukraine” for his work in Congress on behalf of a sovereign, democratic Ukraine. Congressman Boyle also serves as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittees on the Middle East and North African, and Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

Today, Congressman Boyle also sent a letter to Secretary of State Tillerson requesting that the Department work expeditiously to release $5 million in funding promised to Ukraine for cyber assistance. The full letter is available HERE.